Coro blimey! RULA'S BEST EXOTIC KIWI ADVENTURE

The star fell in love with NZ 40 years ago and is bringing new joy to our shores

- Donna Fleming

Two of Rula Lenska’s greatest passions in life are theatre and travel, so when the chance arose to combine them by performing in a play in New Zealand, the veteran British actress couldn’t say “Yes, please!” fast enough.

Rula’s delighted to be coming here with The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel – Live on Stage, which is based on the book that was also made into a hit movie. She’s been appearing as Madge Hardcastle (played by Celia Imrie in the film) in a touring production of Marigold in the UK, and was thrilled to be asked to reprise the role in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

“I was raring to go,” says Rula, 76, talking to the Weekly from her home in the UK. “I was last in New Zealand in 1984, doing a play called Same Time Next Year with my then-husband Dennis Waterman. We travelled all over the North and South Island, and had the most magical time. I’m so excited about coming back.”

It may have been 40 years ago, but Rula – best known to many Kiwis as Claudia Colby on Coronation Street – still has fond memories of her time here with Minder star Dennis. The pair, who later divorced, managed to do lots of touristy things when they weren’t performing, including whale watching in Kaikōura.